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Atlanta Falcons 7-Round Mock Draft: Drafting A Stud Corner Early

By Jacob Schyvinck

Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons did make a few big moves in free agency, and they supplant those moves by filling other holes in this 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft.

The Atlanta Falcons have positioned themselves to be in contention in the NFC South. They’ve checked off important boxes during free agency, both in-house and on the open market. Both Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom will be around for a while, signing three-year and five-year deals, respectively, which likely takes them out of the offensive line early.

Atlanta also addressed the secondary, signing Jessie Bates to a reasonable four-year deal. They also brought in former Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata to pair with Grady Jarrett, along with a Friday signing of Calais Campbell to a one-year deal.

Atlanta Falcons 7-Round Mock Draft: Playmakers On Both Sides

Now, their priorities turn to the 2023 NFL Draft. From all reports this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons are sticking with Desmond Ridder. They’ve repeatedly stated they aren’t in on Lamar Jackson, and they clearly believe in Ridder to lead an offense that could really take a step in 2023 if the pieces fall. In this Falcons mock draft, we add a few more offensive pieces, along with adding plenty of talent on defense. Off we go!

Round 1, Pick 8: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

A.J. Terrell has become a star at corner for the Atlanta Falcons. Casey Hayward and Mike Hughes are also there to help supplant him. But, if the Falcons strike out a bit at edge rusher early, they could opt to pair Terrell with a stud in the 2023 NFL Draft, as they do here.

Christian Gonzalez deserves every bit the hype that the defensive ends after Will Anderson do. Gonzalez leapt firmly onto the radar after transferring from Colorado to Oregon, improving upon the ball production. His fluid hips give him an advantage in transition, and he can quickly close and regain any positioning he lost in transition. Gonzalez is scheme versatile – he can line up in press man, has good bail technique and side saddle in zone coverage, and has great eyes to play off coverage (man or zone). He’s a reliable tackler and can play physical. The athleticism jumps off on film, and it was confirmed with his stellar combine numbers. A Terrell/Gonzalez duo would make them feared in the NFC South.

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